Ready to embark on a brewing adventure that flips the script on traditional coffee? Cold brew espresso awaits! If you’re a coffee lover searching for your next ideal cup, cold brew espresso has probably caught your eye. But what actually is it? Is it another iced or cold coffee, or does it really offer something unique and scrumptious compared to other beverages?
This article contains all the information you need to know about cold brew espresso. Whether you’re looking for a smoother taste with low acidity or simply a new way to enjoy caffeine, this might just be your next favorite drink. So grab your mason jar and patience (yes, patience!), because it’s going to be worth the wait.
Table of Contents
What is Cold Brew Espresso?
It is where espresso-style coffee is brewed using cold water over an extended period, normally 12 to 24 hours, unlike hot espresso, which is made in 25-30 seconds. Cold brewing does not use pressure.

Cold-brewed espresso is stronger in both flavor and caffeine compared to regular brewed espresso. The reason for this is that it is brewed for a longer period and uses more coffee per ounce of water. The extended steeping time allows a deep, rich extraction of flavors, minus the acidity and bitterness often found in hot espresso or drip coffee.
However, the final results depend on how much you dilute the concentrate. Some people like to drink it straight. Watch out, that’s intense! while others mix it with water or milk. So, Is cold brew espresso really espresso?
Not exactly. Traditional espresso is made with hot water and high pressure.
What Is The Ratio for Cold Brew Espresso?
The proportion employed in crafting a cup depends upon one’s desired intensity, with a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio typically emulating the robust essence of traditional espresso.
- Strong Concentrate (Espresso-Like):
- 1 cup (about 85g) of finely ground espresso roast coffee
- 4 cups (about 950ml) of cold filtered water
- Balanced Cold Brew (Less Intense):
- 1 cup of coffee
- 5-6 cups of water
| Cold Brew Espresso Coffee to Water Ratio | Strong Concentrate (espresso-like) | Balanced Cold Brew (less intense) |
| 1 cup (about 85g) of finely ground espresso roast coffee 4 cups (about 950ml) of cold filtered water | 1 cup of coffee 5-6 cups of water |
You can always dilute the concentrate later with water or milk, depending on your preference.
Grind Size Matters:

Our barista suggests using a medium-fine to medium particle size, as a finer grind augments flavour diffusion during prolonged steeping. Just don’t go too fine, or you’ll risk over-extraction and bitterness.
Is Cold Brew Stronger Than Coffee?
When it comes to strength, cold brew often packs more caffeine per cup than regular hot coffee. That’s because it’s steeped for a long time, which draws out more caffeine. The extended steeping time is for a deep, rich extraction of flavors, minus the acidity and bitterness. Here is a comparison of the caffeine levels, acidity, and flavor intensity in a nutshell:
Cold Brew Vs. Coffee
| Feature | Cold Brew Espresso | Regular Hot Coffee |
| Brew Time | 12-24 hours | 5-10 minutes |
| Temperature | Cold/Room Temp | Hot |
| Acidity | Low | Medium to High |
| Bitterness | Low | Higher |
| Strength | High (when undiluted) | Moderate |
So, yes, cold brew espresso is usually stronger, smoother, and more concentrated than regular coffee.
Cold Brew Espresso Calories Count
One of the best parts about this espresso is how low it is in calories, especially if you enjoy it black.
Calories in Black Cold Brew Espresso
- Black Cold Brew Espresso (8 oz / 240ml) Calories: ~2-5 (from natural oils and trace elements in the coffee)
It is an excellent low-calorie beverage, especially when consumed without any add-ins.
Calories with Add-ins:
- Add 1 tbsp of whole milk: +9 calories
- Add 1 tbsp of sugar: +48 calories
- Add 1 tbsp of cream: +52 calories
- Add 1 tbsp of flavored syrup: +20-80 calories (depending on the brand)
Be mindful of how you dress up your cold brew, because the calories can climb quickly with sweeteners and dairy.
Cold Brew Espresso Caffeine Count
How much of a caffeine kick does cold brewed espresso actually pack?
Caffeine Count of Undiluted Cold Brew Espresso
- A standard 8 oz (240ml) portion of cold brew espresso concentrate generally holds 150 to 250 mg of caffeine, but this quantity can increase depending on:
- The beans used
- The grind size
- The steeping time
- The coffee-to-water ratio
This amount far exceeds the 95 mg of caffeine typically present in an 8 oz serving of standard drip coffee.
Cold Brew Espresso Caffeine Comparison Table:
| Drink Type | Caffeine (per 8 oz) |
| Cold Brew Espresso | 150–250 mg |
| Regular Cold Brew | 100–150 mg |
| Drip Coffee | 90–120 mg |
| Espresso (1 oz shot) | 63 mg |
Note this and keep in mind how much you’re consuming. Many coffee lovers drink cold brew in larger portions than they would a single shot of espresso.
Cold Brew Espresso Recipe
Make your own cold brew espresso at home. It’s easy and requires minimal equipment — just time and good beans.
Ingredients and quantity
- 1 cup (85g) espresso roast coffee, ground medium-fine
- 4 cups (950ml) cold, filtered water
- A large jar or French press
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Patience (steep time is 12–24 hours)
How to make cold brew espresso a step-by-step guide:
here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to make cold brew espresso:
- Grind Your Coffee:
Use espresso roast beans and grind them. - Mix Water and Coffee:
In a jar, combine 1 cup of coffee with 4 cups of cold water and stir it gently. - Steep:
Cover it and refrigerate or leave it at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. - Strain:
You can use a coffee filter or a fine mesh sieve to strain the mixture into a container. - Serve:
Pour over ice. Enjoy as-is, or mix with water, milk, or a flavored syrup. - Store:
Keep the cold brew concentrate in the fridge for up to a week and use it in the meantime whenever you want.
Pro Tips By Sipolicious’ Barista:
- Want a stronger brew that’ll wake you up? Extend steep time from 12 hours to 24 hours.
- A pinch of salt can help against the bitterness.
- Experiment with different espresso roasts for varying flavor profiles.
Want to explore more things coffee? get inspiration for your daily coffee adventures by visiting our blog and explore all things coffee including:
Dirty Chai-4 Popular Variations and Recipe
Panamanian Geisha Coffee-The Exquisite Choice
Double Shot Espresso- Because Single Won’t Do for Today
and a lot more.